King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:6 Mean?

Matthew 19:6 in the King James Version says “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Matthew 19:6 · KJV

Context

4

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

6

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

Read Matthew 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares marriage permanence: 'Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder' (Greek: ὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο ἀλλὰ σὰρξ μία, 'so they are no longer two but one flesh'). This quotes Genesis 2:24, establishing marriage as divine creation ordinance. The phrase 'one flesh' (σὰρξ μία) indicates profound union - physical, emotional, spiritual. 'What God has joined' makes God active agent in each marriage, not merely original institution. 'Let not man put asunder' (μὴ χωριζέτω) prohibits human dissolution of divine union. Marriage transcends human contract - it's covenant before God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish debate between Rabbi Hillel (divorce for any reason) and Rabbi Shammai (only for sexual immorality) forms background. Greco-Roman culture practiced easy divorce, especially men divorcing wives. Jesus returns to creation design (Genesis 1-2) before law's accommodation for hardness of heart (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). His teaching elevated marriage as sacred, permanent covenant, protecting women vulnerable to arbitrary divorce. Early church maintained high marriage standards despite cultural pressure, though debating remarriage exceptions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's active role in marriage joining affect commitment?
  2. What does 'one flesh' union mean beyond physical intimacy?
  3. How should this teaching shape Christian approach to marriage struggles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὥστε1 of 15

“Wherefore”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

οὐκέτι2 of 15

“no more”

G3765

not yet, no longer

εἰσὶν3 of 15

“they are”

G1526

they are

δύο4 of 15

“twain”

G1417

"two"

ἀλλὰ5 of 15

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

σὰρξ6 of 15

“flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

μία·7 of 15
G1520

one

ὃ8 of 15

“What”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὖν9 of 15

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὁ10 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς11 of 15

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

συνέζευξεν12 of 15

“hath joined together”

G4801

to yoke together, i.e., (figuratively) conjoin (in marriage)

ἄνθρωπος13 of 15

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

μὴ14 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

χωριζέτω15 of 15

“let”

G5563

to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 19:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:4Mark 10:9Romans 7:21 Corinthians 7:10-14Ephesians 5:28Malachi 2:14

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